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Despite the polarized opinions about MCU's Eternals, Patton Oswalt seemingly confirmed that a sequel is in the works. For some, this is ecstatic news, allowing an opportunity to expand on the Eternals' story, especially since there has already been a growing change of hearts from those who initially despised the slow-paced storytelling.
After all, so many films that are considered classics actually started as being contested or controversial, either because they were ahead of their time or didn't meet expectations. The cinephiles at Reddit certainly know this, as they've been discussing the movies that they originally hated but have come to love.
The Thin Red Line (1998)
Though he's one of the most prestigious names in cinema, Terrence Malick has had his share of detractors who accuse his films of being pompous and indulging in poetical waxing. Sometimes, it can take repeat viewings to fully appreciate the magnitude of his vision or the depth of his films.
That was the case for Reddit user Jazzbo64, who writes "I almost walked out of The Thin Red Line because I thought the interior monologues were so pretentious, but it stuck with me and I had to view it again." Like most of Malick's work, this WWII epic is more philosophical than it is linear, and his figurative approach might be off-putting to first-time watchers. But the fact that his films make such an impression on even his critics is a testament to his true skills as both a storyteller and artist.
Napoleon Dynamite (2007)
Nothing is more subjective than comedy, so even a modern classic like Napoleon Dynamite won't be for everyone. In fact, it's off-beat humor and anti-social title character were actually quite abrasive for some viewers at the time. Thankfully, it looks like everyone is in on the joke and has come to embrace the film's eccentric personality.
Reddit user Alcatrazepam can attest to this, writing "First time I saw it I thought it was just annoying and absurd... I found knowing what was going to happen the second time made it much funnier." They say comedy is tragedy plus time, and this indie flick has so many intentionally cringey moments that it's become a comedy gold-mine for today's audiences.
Die Hard 2 (1990)
It can't be easy to make a sequel to one of the most popular action movies of all time, and it seemed that Die Hard 2: Die Harder was destined to live in the shadow of its esteemed predecessor. However, the tides seem to be turning for Die Hard 2, as Reddit users like enough-rope say that "Always found it lacklustre but have finally grown to enjoy it after a fashion."
While it's not a masterclass of blockbuster filmmaking that the original was, fans have still come to appreciate Die Hard 2 for its above-average action sequences and for Bruce Willis' performance as John McClaine. It helps that it's fared better than some of the other sequels that have come out since.
In Bruges (2006)
The wrong expectations can sink a film, and many people expected In Bruges to be a Tarantino-esque genre romp about two hitmen hiding out in Bruges. Instead, this eclectic crime-drama turned out to be more interested in examining moral quandaries and human relationships than it was in gunfire.
Of course, viewers have not come to appreciate In Bruges but hold it in such high esteem that many would consider it Colin Farrell's best film. Reddit user lucia-pacciola went on a journey with the film, writing "Was expecting an action-comedy... took me about three tries to realize it was a comedy-drama about hitmen, that is both absolutely f*cking hilarious, and actually very moving as well." With its blend of endearing characters and hysterically vulgar dialogue, In Bruges has become in style.
Drive (2011)
If the wrong expectations can hurt a film, then the marketing team for Drive did the filmmakers no favors. The initial trailer for this arthouse-action flick was so deceptively Fast and Furious-esque that a woman actually sued the production team for misleading her into thinking she was buying a ticket for a high-octane thrill ride (via Washington Post).
That's a shame that anybody would be robbed of the experience of immersing themselves in Drive, one of the most stylish neo-noirs of the century. Thankfully, those who were initially bored by it have come around, such as Reddit user danstroyer who writes, "I was one of those dumb kids who thought I was watching the new Fast and Furious franchise action flick only to get bored... Took me almost 10 years to revisit it and recognize it as the masterpiece it is."
The Big Lebowski (1997)
It's hard to imagine anyone not loving this beloved comedy from the iconic Coen Brothers, but The Big Lebowski was a unique movie with it subdued protagonist and intentionally convoluted storyline that many viewers just didn't know what to make of it. After all, it's a story without even so much as a character arc.
Just like with Napoleon Dynamite, The Big Lebowski has aged like a fine wine and its irreverent and dry comic genius only reveals itself more and more upon every rewatch. Reddit user MrDudeWheresMyCar comments on its subtle genius, writing, "We thought it was a low action detective thriller without too many mysteries and then learned when we were older it was about a dude and his carpet..." If anyone still doesn't enjoy this cult classic, just tell them: "Yeah? Well, that's your opinion, man."
Jackie Brown (1997)
No director had more hype around them than Quentin Tarantino did after his two-punch knockout of Reservoir Dogs and Pulp Fiction. So, critics and fans were eagerly awaiting his follow-up and were somewhat disappointed when he delivered a more small-scale and restrained crime-thriller, Jackie Brown.
While audiences were disappointed that this thriller wasn't a pulp epic like his previous film, they've come to appreciate Jackie Brown for its tight storytelling, engaging performances, and for the subtle and tasteful homages to Blaxpoitation cinema. It's certainly grown on Reddit users like jpmoney2k1, who writes "I rated it around a 4 out of 10... but upon watching it again a few years later, it's now a solid 9 out of 10 movie for me."
Lord of the Rings Trilogy (2001-2005)
This holy grail of geekdom might be one of the most acclaimed trilogies of all time, but that very same hype will be too much for the uninitiated. Due to their mammoth runtimes and dense mythologies, the Lord of the Rings films can be overwhelming and even off-putting for newcomers.
But as people give it time, the Lord of the Rings movies reveal themselves as one of the finest and most spectacular films ever. Reddit user Totemdary has come to love it, writing, "There was so much general hype for them, I practically watched them to hate them. Years later, I married a big LOTR fan. A rewatch was inevitable and I was stunned." The appeal of these movies is as alluring as the One Ring itself.
Amadeus (1984)
Prestige, Oscar-friendly movies can unfortunately seem boring or stuffy to the general moviegoer. Though it's about an esoteric subject, Amadeus has still won over audiences that gave it a chance, with its intriguing take on the much-speculated relationship between Mozart and Solieri.
Reddit users like RileyKZ have come to appreciate it, posting, "Thought it was the most boring movie ever. Now I’d probably rank it in the top 40 flicks ever made." Just because something has the appearance or subject matter of a boring awards-bait drama doesn't mean that it can't be accessible or even engaging for mainstream audiences.
Taxi Driver (1974)
Few classics are as jarring or uglier than Martin Scorsese's Taxi Driver, which followed a sociopathic man driven to psychotic actions by the social decay surrounding him. Anyone unprepared for Scorsese's gritty and near nihilistic approach found it shocking and even repulsive.
But those qualities are what made it such a powerful story, and some have overcome their nausea to appreciate the complex morality and fascinating psychology of Travis Bickle. Reddit user Sutter_Cane has come to appreciate Scorsese's twisted tale, commenting, "Taxi Driver I first watched as a teen, I just didnt get it. Then I saw it after living in a couple big cities as a jaded adult, I saw it again, and related to it so much."